The photo prompt this week spoke to my fantasy side, so I decided to once again delve back into my own fictional world created for the novel I’m writing (apologies for the shameless plug). Though the actual #FF story has nothing to do with the novel itself, I just decided to have a little play with one of my characters.

CatFishing

Harlan sat by the river, twirling the short blade in one paw as he watched the rising sun’s light dance on the water’s surface. His tail twitched in the breeze, his soft brown-and-black fur rustling like a field of long grass.

He purred as the fish weaved through the currents beneath the rushing water, the knife between his claws targeting its prey.

Amber light glinted off the blade as it flashed through the air, cutting into water and fish flesh in the blink of an eye as the rope went taut.

“One less fish for the dead,” Harlan purred as he pulled in his catch.

I loved this one. A perfect ‘snapshot’ of a wonderful character. I just know when you write more of Harlan’s adventures, he will be greeted with some very warm, fond reponses. I can still remember reading that initial rough draft piece you wrote for him and this stands in perfect counterpoint.
I had a perfectly clear picture of the scene as I read and I enjoyed his almost casual display of skill as he sat in mellow contemplation.
The final line is a brilliant hook, too. Now we all want to know more: ‘One less fish for the dead’… brilliant.
Well done Gaz. 😀

Why thank you! You’re lucky (sort of) in that you’ve met the character before, and I’m always very grateful for your continued support.
I’m glad you enjoyed this piece, it’s probably my most “laid back” story yet!

You had me at “Harlan”. The name is so creative and puuurfect for your character. Cat or other, this is a fascinating piece. Thank you for sharing it! (I am curious about the meaning of, “One less fish for the dead”)

I’m so glad the name sticks out! It’s actually a combination of Harley and Morgan, my brother and his wife’s cats’ names. I may revisit this fella for another story, should the occasion arise. Maybe fill in a few blanks… 🙂

I love this Character and the telling of his story. His name is spot on as well. If I am going to say anything at all it would be that I found the order of events in this sentence a little confusing…”Amber light glinted off the blade as it flashed through the air, cutting into water and fish flesh in the blink of an eye as the rope went taught.” Perhaps the rope should go taunt first….The rope went taught, amber light glinted off the blade as it flashed through the air cutting into water and fish flesh in the blink of an eye …..Just a thought but really well done man. Love this!

Well, I just think your description of your character is absolutely lovely. His fur rustling like a field of long grass is a nice touch. The question of the rope going taught is just so much sound and fury – of couse we knew it was attached to the knife. How else would we reel in the fish?
My question is, who the Hell are these dead that Harlan is saving the fish from (I mean, I know he’s going to eat it) but do we have Zombies in this story too? Ones who eat fish brains?
Great story,

A L33t cat! Loved the character and the outside-the-box way you used this photo. I’m always a big fan of that : )
This story was full of so much awesome I’ll be sure to tweet a link to it later.
Here’s mine:http://the-drabbler.com/life-disturbed/

I love the challenge of the #FF stuff every week, trying to fit as much story as possible into just 100 words is so much fun! I was just lucky that this week’s allowed me to use my existing character/world.

Hi Gary: I’ve had cats all my life but never one as clever as Harlan. I like your line ‘Amber light glinted off the blade.’ Perfect example of: Show not tell. Your last line ‘one less fish for the dead’ is chilling and reminds me of ‘he’s swimming with the fishes’…that’s what Mafia killers/hit men say when they dump their bodies in the river. Here’s mine:http://www.triplemoonstar.blogspot.com